Breaking Your Wrist: An Analysis and Worst-Case Scenario

The internet is rife with discussions and even harmful suggestions on how to deliberately or unintentionally break your wrist. One such provocative question is: would dropping a brick on the bone from a meter-high side of your wrist facing up break it? While this sounds intriguing, it is crucial to understand the impact of such actions on your health. In this article, we will delve into the most common type of wrist fracture, Colles fracture, and discuss the risks involved in attempting to break your wrist.

Understanding Colles Fracture

The most common fracture at the wrist is called a Colles fracture. This type of injury occurs when a person trips and falls forward with their hands outstretched to break the fall. Colles fracture is defined as a fracture of the lower end of the radius in the wrist with a characteristic backward displacement of the hand. This condition is named after Henri Colles, a French physician who first described it in 1843.

Colles fracture is a common injury, particularly among elderly individuals and those who engage in high-risk activities. The mechanism of injury typically involves a sudden force to the top of the wrist, causing the wrist to bend backwards and snap the radius bone. This results in a characteristic “dinner fork” deformity, where the back of the wrist is displaced upward, resembling the handle of a fork spreading out.

Medical Professional's Advice

As a medical professional, I strongly advise against attempting any activities that could deliberately or inadvertently cause a wrist fracture. If you suspect a wrist injury, such as discoloration, swelling, or pain, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room, urgent care, or your primary physician. These professionals can provide the proper diagnosis, treatment, and care to ensure that your wrist heals correctly.

Immediate first aid measures can include icing the injured area and using over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Deliberate Wrist Breakage as a Fitness Experiment

Attempting to break your wrist as a gym experiment is a dangerous and unwise practice. Ditching a heavy object, such as a 25-pound dumbbell from a four-foot height, can lead to severe injuries, including Colles fractures, dislocations, or even traumatic brain injuries. As pointed out, the potential for subconscious fear can prevent you from executing such an action safely. It is far better to consult a professional trainer who can guide you on safe weightlifting techniques that do not risk such severe injuries.

Personal Experience: Breaking a Wrist

Personal experience with a wrist fracture adds to the understanding of the serious nature of such injuries. At my age of 52, I was roller-skating and doing well until I was bumped into and fell to the floor. The pain was intense, and the local hand surgeon confirmed that the pain coincided with injuries to the distal end of both the radius and ulna bones. Despite pain management, the injury did not heal properly on its own and required surgical intervention. The recovery process involved:

Post-surgery pain management Physical therapy Wearing a cast from the wrist up to the shoulder, then up to the elbow, and finally an adjustable cast for about three weeks Learning to use my non-dominant hand, a challenging task in daily activities like dressing, cooking, and pouring drinks

The need for such a drastic measure highlights the importance of avoiding deliberate wrist breakage, especially for non-medical purposes.

Conclusion

Unlike the imagined scenario of breaking a wrist with a high drop, a Colles fracture typically occurs from a more predictable mechanism. Deliberate attempts to break your wrist or attempt such experiments in a gym setting are not only reckless but can lead to severe and long-term health consequences. Always prioritize safety and seek professional medical advice when dealing with any injuries. The human body is delicate, and its injuries often require careful and specialized care to heal.